8 biggest TV show ensemble casts that took fans by surprise
The success of TV shows with ensemble casts is highly dependent on the chemistry between the actors. Now, it goes without saying that bigger isn't always better as it can be a daunting task to ensure that every character adds value to the overall plot. But, seasoned writers have successfully used large ensemble casts, time and again, to tell ambitious stories that leave a lasting impression.
The thing to remember with ensemble casts is that it isn't so much about the star power but more about bringing together talented actors who can motivate each other to dig deeper into their on-screen personas. In fact, there have been several instances wherein new faces turned into household names after being part of a popular TV show.
In this list, we take a look at noteworthy TV shows that were discussed at length among viewers for their big ensemble casts.
Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Band of Brothers, Game of Thrones and six other TV shows that created a buzz for their ensemble casts
1) Night Court (1984)
Containing nine seasons and 193 episodes, Night Court is the oldest TV show with an ensemble cast on this list. It focuses on the night shift of a Manhattan Criminal Court which is presided over by Harry Anderson's Harold "Harry" T. Stone, a young judge with unconventional opinions. The show boasts 12 main characters and about 30 recurring cast members.
Night Court stands out for introducing a plethora of characters across episodes and yet still make each one distinctive enough for the audience to remember. From the defenders to the clerks, each character helped make the courtroom that much more lively and amusing. A revival of the classic show starring Melissa Rauch was released in 2023.
Where to watch: Episodes of Night Court are available on Apple TV+ and Prime Video.
2) The Sopranos (1999)
The Sopranos is the perfect example of a TV show that thrives thanks to its skilled ensemble cast. Containing six seasons and 86 episodes, this series is centered around a New Jersey Mafia boss, Tony Soprano, portrayed by James Gandolfini, who is having a hard time juggling his family life and criminal profession.
While it is true that Gandolfini steals the show every time he appears on screen, viewers get surprised to see that the other cast members like Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco, Michael Imperioli, and more, are equally compelling and believable in their respective roles.
The show has recorded more than 30 main characters across seasons. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that The Sopranos' success has prompted many television show creators to be more willing to explore dynamic plots that call for ensemble casts.
Where to watch: The Sopranos can be streamed on Max, Hulu and Prime Video.
3) Band of Brothers (2001)
In most cases, miniseries tend to have limited cast members but that is not the case for Band of Brothers. Containing a total of ten episodes, the show is set during World War II and focuses on the exploits of the Easy Company, 506th Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division.
Its cast members, over a hundred strong, includes the likes of Kirk Acevedo, Damian Lewis, Eion Bailey, and many more. Despite the huge numbers, the creators do a good job with respect to character development, one of the many reasons the show has been able to receive such high praise from viewers and critics alike.
The way the story puts the spotlight on different characters helps keep the audience engaged and also allows them to get a well-rounded idea of the things happening on the ground.
Where to watch: Band of Brothers is available for streaming on Netflix, Max and Prime Video.
4) Lost (2004)
This sci-fi drama ran from 2004 to 2010. Spanning six seasons and 121 episodes, Lost features a total of 14 main characters, portrayed by Naveen Andrews, Emilie de Ravin, Matthew Fox, Jorge Garcia, and others. The producers and writers have brought a huge cast to incorporate multiple immersive storylines.
One of the biggest reasons why Lost still ranks high on the popularity scale is because of its unprecedented twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The experience is further enhanced thanks to the memorable characters who are hard to pinpoint. Just when viewers think they have a character pegged, they end up doing something shockingly different.
Where to watch: Episodes of Lost are available on Disney+, Prime Video and Netflix.
5) Downton Abbey (2010)
Viewers who enjoy historical dramas have certainly heard of Downton Abbey. Containing six seasons and 52 episodes, the show follows the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and of their domestic servants. Set in the early 20th century, it also showcases how the characters respond to real-world incidents and events that unraveled during that period of time.
Downton Abbey features both experienced actors and fresh faces. There are close to 40 main characters at the fictional Yorkshire country estate, which comprise members of the family and the staff who looks out for their best interests. In addition to that, there are close to 140 supporting actors and guest stars.
Where to watch: Downton Abbey can be streamed on Prime Video and Netflix.
6) Game of Thrones (2011)
When George R. R. Martin first started writing A Song of Ice and Fire series, he couldn't have imagined that it would turn into an iconic TV show that would amass fans from across the globe. But that is exactly what happened.
The books boast impressive world-building elevated by a long list of well-developed characters who found their way to the adaptation. Estimated to have the largest ensemble cast on television, Game of Thrones stars Kit Harington, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Emilia Clarke and many more.
Even though the cast is considerable in size, the show kills off main characters, season after season. It is so common that fans have to force themselves not to get too attached to any one character. Thankfully, the narrative also introduces memorable new characters at important junctions to balance things out.
Where to watch: Game of Thrones, containing eight seasons and 73 episodes, is available on HBO, Prime Video and Apple TV+.
7) American Horror Story (2011)
While it is true that anthology TV shows require a sizeable cast, it might be hard to find one that comes close to the numbers of American Horror Story. The show consists of over 250 actors who have appeared at different points across 12 seasons and 132 episodes.
The series presents a different storyline each season which introduces new characters. It must be noted that around 55 main actors, including Evan Peters, Sarah Paulson, and Lily Rabe, have appeared in multiple seasons, either in new avatars or for the sake of reprising old roles.
It is rare for horror narratives to contain meaningful messages but American Horror Story deserves credit for being able to explore distinct horror tropes without compromising on engaging plots that leave viewers with food for thought.
Where to watch: American Horror Story can be streamed on Disney+, Hulu and Prime Video.
8) Orange Is the New Black (2013)
One of Netflix's longest-running original shows, Orange Is the New Black has seven seasons containing 71 episodes. It centers around Taylor Schilling's Piper Chapman who is indicted for a crime she committed 10 years ago. As a result, she has to spend 15 months in Litchfield Penitentiary which changes her in many ways.
But the thing that makes this comedy-drama stand out is the ensemble cast who play their characters to a T. Orange Is the New Black boasts around 24 main characters, which includes the likes of Laura Prepon, Michael Harney, Michelle Hurst, and more. In addition to that, it has around 150 supporting members who add to the overarching plot and diverse sub-plots.
It cannot be denied that the show is less about the prison and more about the people inside it. The way the writers elaborate on their backstories, trials and tribulations helps the audience feel connected to the characters.
Where to watch: Orange Is the New Black is available for streaming on Netflix and Apple TV+.
While there are many TV shows with ensemble casts that have found success, these titles tend to stand out because of the sheer volume of actors involved.
